Lorraine Howell

Lorraine Howell was born in Minford, Ohio, on 12/29/24. Affectionately known as "Muge," she grew up on a farm, where she learned that she didn't want to milk cows all her life. She graduated from Rio Grande College with a teaching certificate and taught in Scioto County for two years. She met her husband, Ellis 'Bick' Howell, at Reese's Hamburger Shop, in Sciotoville. Marrying after the war, they settled in Columbus.

Lorraine returned to college at Capital University, where she earned her four-year teaching degree. This began a 35-year teaching career in the Columbus City Schools. After earning her master's degree at Xavier University, she worked as a reading specialist.

An avid OSU fan, she was a member of the President' Club for over 30 years and attended all home football games until she was 94. Much of her wardrobe was red and gray.

Lorraine was active in Eastern Star and Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) during her working years, and stayed active in ADK until she was 90. She was also a member of Clintonville Woman's Club where she loved to attend the annual corn roast.

Lorraine spent many hours ballroom and square dancing with her second husband, William H. "Bill" Smith. They were regulars at McDowell Senior Center where they enjoyed a very active social life with their fellow dancers.

She loved to travel, especially with friends Don and Lois Myers. (Don and Bick had been best friends in high school.)

Adventurous, she flew with Bick to Hawaii in an Air Force KC 135 tanker on a refueling mission. She took advantage of the pilot's offer and laid down in the back turret where the refueling controls are located. She then "flew the boom" to refuel the fighter jet. When she waved at the fighter pilot, he waved back. It was the thrill of a lifetime.

As a long-time volunteer at Riverside Hospital, her favorite job was the coffee cart. She finally had to quit at 94.

A long-time member of the Fishinger and Kenny Roads Church of Christ, she had many friends there, including a small group that met for games once a month.

She will be missed by many, including her special "OSU football friend", Karen Layton, her "coffee cart friend", Bev Williamson, and her long-time church friend, Wilma Watts.

Preceded in death by first husband, Ellis 'Bick' Howell; brother Homer Miller; sisters Alma Coriell and Jeannie Fannin. Survived by children Linda (Larry) Sparks, Vicki Howell; grandchildren Kimberly (Larry) McDowell, Timothy Sparks; former grandson-by-marriage Norman Zuercher; great-grandchildren Katherine, Benjamin and Caleb Zuercher; grand-cat, Miss-Miss.

She made a great pot roast.

Her family's favorite quote: "I forgot the cole slaw!"